East Gwent Senior League Caldicot Castle A 1 Caldicot Town 7

TWO late own goals added to Castle’s misery as local rivals Town completed a slightly flattering victory,

Town were the better team and deserved to take the points but Castle were unlucky to lose by six goals, especially after taking an early lead through Shaun Marsh.

The early reverse seemed to inspire Town’s players far more than encourage the home side and thanks to some slick passing on the boggy surface between Ryan Morley, Luke Hall and Jarred Petersen the visitors took a 2-1 lead before half time.

A good run by Hall down Castle’s right flank ended with him delivering a short pass for Petersen to run onto before beating keeper Harry Taylor from the edge of the area.

Petersen then turned provider, passing for Morley to net the second.

Castle brought on County League player James Reid at the break and his influence inspired his teammates to exert more pressure.

Despite having the better share of possession, Castle were unable to reduce the deficit and were undone by two goals in five minutes.

First Town’s centre back Matt Davies made it 3-1 after a right wing corner eluded Taylor and Petersen scored his second a few minutes later, sending Taylor the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Morley scored his second to make it 5-1 before the two late own goals completed the scoring.

Town boss Andrew Thomas said his men were slow out of the blocks.

“Castle started stronger and deserved their early lead,” he said.

“It took us a while to get  into the game but when we got our passing game going especially with the help of Ross Edwards who supplied quality ball time after time, the goals came, first by Jarred Petersen and then by the inspirational Ryan Morley up front.

“Castle continued to battle but the two own goals at the end finished the match. I would like to thank all at the Castle for the reception they gave us and the great hospitality after the game.”

Town are scheduled to visit Division One leaders Mathern Reserves A for a league match on Saturday, hoping to gain revenge for their recent Benevolent Cup semi-final defeat.

Castle A are also scheduled to be in action on Saturday when they host Severn Bridge in a Gill Cup preliminary tie.

Two matches were staged side by side at Caldicot Castle, the main pitch hosting a Division One game between bottom team Castle A and Caldicot Town which ended 7-1 to the visitors while the second saw Castle B run out 4-1 winners against Thornwell Red and White thanks to Jamie Davis who bagged all four with Charlie Hale netting the visitors’ consolation.